Audi has officially acquired a 100% stake in the Sauber F1 team as part of its preparations to join Formula 1 in 2026. The German automaker had previously announced its intentions to enter F1 as both a constructor and power unit supplier for the 2026 season, with initial investment in Sauber made in early 2023.
Following negotiations with the current majority shareholder, Islero Investments AG, Audi has now completed the takeover of the team, confirming speculations from a March report. Andreas Seidl, who assumed the role of CEO at Sauber after transitioning from McLaren in 2023, will continue to lead the team under the new Audi branding.
Seidl is set to become the public face of the future Audi Formula 1 Team, according to Audi’s press release. Additionally, Audi’s current technical chief, Oliver Hoffman, will transition to the position of chairman on Sauber’s board of directors.
Hoffman will also hold a seat on the board of Audi Formula Racing GmbH, the entity tasked with overseeing power unit development and other strategic aspects of Audi’s F1 venture. Sauber, based in Hinwil, Switzerland, will serve as Audi’s factory team and will maintain operations at its existing facility.
Notably, the team boasts its wind tunnel, a valuable asset for a team of its size in the competitive world of Formula 1.
While Sauber has a long history as an independent team in F1 since its debut in 1993, it has previously collaborated with manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz provided backing in its early years, leveraging a successful sports car program.
Subsequently, the team was owned by BMW from 2006 to 2009, during which it secured its sole victory. Most recently, Sauber operated under the Alfa Romeo brand from 2018 to 2023.
